WIRELINE Spring 2017

News Round-Up | Oil & Gas UK

2. Brexit and the implications for oil and gas Oil & Gas UK continues to engage with members through its Government Relations Work Group and other technical groups to gather intelligence on the implications for industry of the UK leaving the EU (Brexit) and to shape the trade body’s policies. As part of this activity, a breakfast briefing was held on 1 February to explore what effect Brexit might have on international trade for the sector, examining the potential trading relationships and emerging political and legal drivers. Speakers included Ben Digby of CBI, Matt Dunhan of the Global Counsel and Silke Goldberg of Herbert Smith Freehills. Mike Tholen, upstream policy director at Oil & Gas UK, gave evidence last Autumn to the House of Lords EU External Affairs Sub-Committee inquiry into the UK’s trade of goods post-Brexit. Mike emphasised the importance of access to markets for goods, services and skills and to

Mike Tholen gives evidence to the House of Lords EU External Affairs Sub-Committee and Oil & Gas UK staff meet Norwegian counterparts

attract investment. Meanwhile, Deirdre Michie, Oil & Gas UK’s chief executive, participated in the House of Commons Exciting the EU Committee inquiry into the opportunities and risks for Scotland after Brexit.

Oil & Gas UK representatives also travelled to Norway towards the end of last year for insights into how the Norwegian oil and gas industry manages its relationship with the EU. Hosted by the Norwegian Oil and Gas Association, staff met representatives from the Norwegian Ministry of Oil and Energy, Petroleum Directorate, Safety Authority and Environment Agency. The group discussed working together more closely by sharing details on how their respective industries are addressing the cost and efficiency challenge, managing decommissioning and considering climate change.

WatchMike Tholen’s evidence to the Lord’s EU Committee at http://bit.ly/EUinquiry and Deirdre Michie’s submission to the House of Commons EU Committee at http://bit.ly/hocEUinquiry.

3. Finding new job opportunities Individuals who are at risk or who have been made redundant are encouraged to register for free on Talent Retention Solutions’ (TRS) new oil and gas portal. The portal gives access to new job opportunities and allows individuals to promote their skills and experiences to companies that are recruiting.

Image © iStock.com/franckreporter

TRS was set up with the support of the former Department for Business, Innovation & Skills to retain advanced manufacturing and engineering skills in the UK. The new hub for oil and gas has been developed with the support of Oil & Gas UK, Energy Skills Scotland, OPITO and the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy. Employers are encouraged to make displaced workers aware of the portal.

Access the portal at https://talentretention.biz/oilandgas.

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| W I R E L I N E | SPRING 2017